Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11, Verse 20 (BG 11.20) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

The Cosmic Person pervades the entire universe, and space and time themselves possess no independent existence—they too rest upon this ultimate truth. We must not forget that the subject matter described here is infinite and eternal. Thus Arjun declares: Through You alone, the sky between heaven and earth, and all the directions, are pervaded. The unity of creation cannot be grasped with ease. The more deeply one understands it, the more one stumbles in attempting to describe it. When confronted with such vast and magnificent truth, it is natural that a finite intellect trembles. Arjun says: Beholding this wondrous and terrible form, all three worlds tremble in fear. This is a psychological truth: each person perceives the world in the manner of their own being. As is the vision, so is creation. Having witnessed the Cosmic Person, Arjun became afraid, and from that state of mind, when he beholds the world, all three worlds too appear astonished and trembling with fear. This is the distinctive excellence of Vyasa: even while engaged in describing vast and profound subject matter, he does not forget the fundamental nature of human conduct. These subtle observations of his bestow upon this incomparable beauty and immeasurable depth the radiance of reality itself.